Smartphones of the series Redmi from the company Xiaomi have remained popular for many years due to their balance of price and functionality. Model Redmi 4XDespite its age, it is still actively used by many users as a reliable device for everyday tasks or as a backup gadget. One of the most sought-after features in such devices is the ability to turn mobile internet into a hotspot. Wi-Fi, which allows you to connect laptops, tablets and other phones to the network.
The process of activating modem mode on the shell MIUI may differ from the standard Android, which often raises questions among beginners. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to properly set up Wi-Fi sharing to ensure a stable connection and minimize battery drain. You'll learn about hidden frequency range settings and ways to limit traffic for connected devices.
Before we dive into the technical details, it's worth noting that the quality of the connection directly depends on the cellular network signal strength and the settings of the router, which is your phone. Properly configured settings will prevent connection drops and device overheating during extended operation. Let's review the basic steps for setting up an access point.
Preparing your smartphone and checking network settings
The first step before activating tethering mode is to check the status of your SIM card and mobile data. Make sure your device has an active SIM card and a data plan that supports tethering. Some carriers may block or charge a separate fee for tethering, so check with your service provider beforehand to ensure your plan is up to date.
It's also critical to check your battery level. Hotspot mode Wi-Fi is an energy-intensive process that quickly drains battery power Redmi 4XIf you're planning a long work session, it's recommended to connect your smartphone to a power source or power bank to avoid unexpected shutdowns at crucial moments.
⚠️ Attention: Before you begin, make sure your phone is not in power saving mode, as it may automatically turn off the hotspot to save processor resources.
Don't forget to also check that mobile data is enabled in the notification shade. Sometimes users forget to enable data, relying solely on the hotspot, which results in connection errors for clients. A simple swipe down and tap on the "Mobile Data" icon will resolve this issue.
Activating the access point through the standard menu
The main way to enable Internet distribution on Xiaomi Redmi 4X It's located in the system settings. You need to open the main application menu and find the section SettingsIn the list of options you should select the item Additional functions, where tools for advanced work with the network and device connections are hidden.
In the list that opens, find and click on the item Wi-Fi hotspotThis displays the module's current status and the name of your network. By default, the system will suggest a standard name containing your phone model, but you can easily change it to whatever suits you best.
☑️ Pre-launch check
To start sharing, move the slider at the top of the screen to the active position. Your phone will then begin broadcasting a signal, and other devices will be able to find your network in the list of available connections. If the slider doesn't activate, check that Airplane Mode isn't enabled.
Setting up security and network name
The security of your personal network is a priority, especially when you're in public places. In the hotspot menu, tap the button Setting up an access pointto go to editing parameters. Here you can change SSID (network name) to any other one to make your device easy to distinguish among many other signals.
Be sure to set a strong password using a combination of letters and numbers. Standard encryption type WPA2 PSK, which is used in MIUI, is secure enough for home use. Don't leave the network open, as this will allow anyone to use your traffic, which could lead to rapid charges or data leaks.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Unique name | The network name visible in searches |
| Encryption | WPA2-Personal | Data Protection Protocol |
| Password | 8+ characters | Client connection key |
| Range | 2.4 GHz | Module operating frequency |
In the same menu, you can find the option to hide the SSID, which makes the network invisible to regular search engines but requires manual entry of the name to connect. This adds an additional layer of privacy, although it does complicate the process of connecting new devices.
Advanced settings: frequency and device limitation
Owners Redmi 4X You may encounter a situation where older devices don't see the new access point. This is often due to frequency band settings. In the access point settings section, find the item Access point frequency range and select a value 2.4 GHzThis frequency has better penetration ability and is compatible with all Wi-Fi modules without exception.
Why might 5 GHz not work?
The 5 GHz band offers higher speeds, but has a shorter range and isn't supported by all devices. On the Redmi 4X, using the 2.4 GHz band ensures maximum compatibility.
Another useful feature is limiting the number of connected users. You can set a limit of, for example, 3 or 4 devices. This will prevent too many clients from connecting to your network, which would result in a significant drop in internet speed for everyone.
Also available in this section is the "White List" function, which allows you to allow connections only to pre-approved devices based on their MAC addressThis is the most reliable method of protection, since even if someone knows the password, they won't be able to connect without permission from the list.
⚠️ Attention: Changing the frequency band requires a reboot of the access point. All connected clients will be temporarily disconnected and will need to log back into the network.
Traffic management and connection monitoring
System MIUI provides convenient tools for monitoring data usage. In the hotspot menu, you can see a list of all currently connected devices. By clicking on a specific device, you can block its network access or view the amount of data transferred.
For those who monitor every megabyte, the traffic limit feature is useful. You can set a maximum value, for example, 1 GB or 5 GB. When the total amount of data transferred through the hotspot reaches this limit, internet tethering will automatically stop.
Real-time monitoring helps identify heavy apps that consume a lot of bandwidth. If you notice one of your connected devices is downloading large amounts of data, you can quickly disable it to preserve speed for other tasks.
Solved connection problems
Sometimes users encounter a situation where their phone is broadcasting Wi-Fi, but the internet on connected devices isn't working. This is often resolved by simply rebooting the communication module: turn airplane mode on and off, or simply reboot the smartphone itself. Redmi 4X.
Another common issue is the inability to obtain an IP address. In this case, try forgetting the network on the client device (e.g., a laptop) and reconnecting by entering the password. Also, make sure your phone doesn't restrict background data transfers for system processes.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in your carrier's APN settings. Check that the access point fields in your mobile network settings are filled in correctly. Incorrect APN settings may allow the phone to access the network but block traffic forwarding via tethering.
Optimization of operation and energy saving
Extended use in hotspot mode causes the phone's casing to heat up and the battery to drain quickly. To minimize these effects, avoid keeping your phone in a case while actively sharing data, as this impairs heat dissipation. Place the device on a hard, cool surface.
It's best to keep your smartphone's screen off while using tethering. A bright display creates additional heat and power consumption, which isn't needed when your phone is acting as a router. Set the screen timer to the minimum value.
Regularly clear the system service cache if you use your phone to share your internet connection. Accumulated temporary files can slow down network modules and cause connection instability.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if your phone doesn't have a SIM card?
No, you need an active SIM card with a valid data plan to share your mobile data. Without a SIM card, your phone won't be able to access your carrier's network and, therefore, won't be able to share that network with other devices. However, you can share your Wi-Fi if your phone is connected to another Wi-Fi network (using the Wi-Fi repeater feature), but this may not be available on older versions of MIUI.
Why does the access point turn off by itself after a while?
This is a standard system behavior to save power. If no one is connected to the access point for 10 minutes (the time can be adjusted in the menu), the phone automatically disables the module. Disabling may also occur if the phone gets too hot or the battery is critically low.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the internet speed on the phone itself?
Yes, it does. The connection bandwidth is shared between the phone itself and the connected clients. If the connected devices start actively consuming data (watching videos, downloading files), the speed on the primary device will also decrease, as the 4G/LTE module's bandwidth is limited.